QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – FEMA cuts will threaten multiple flood mitigation projects in Queens, a borough hard-hit by Hurricane Ida, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said.
FEMA in April announced it is ending its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program, a decision that will affect $300 million worth of projects in New York City.
In Queens, the cuts will threaten three flood mitigation projects in East Elmhurst, Corona and Flushing, collectively worth $144 million, Richards said.
Elected officials have repeatedly raised alarm bells about the decision, Richards is again calling for FEMA to restore the funding, which will support new drainage systems and rain gardens to help absorb water during storms.
“Washington’s anti-environment stance will have life-or-death impacts on our borough,” Richards said.
Elected officials have previously sounded alarm bells about the FEMA cuts, which would also threaten a $13 million project to protect a Hunts Point food distribution center from flood damage, according to Sen. Jessica Ramos.
The funding cuts will also affect projects in Seaport, Central Harlem, Sheepshead Bay, and Washington Heights, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in April. These projects included floodwall construction, storm-related runoff infrastructure improvements, and other safeguards for heavy rainstorms.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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